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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Walthamstow?

102 replies

PeachFamily · 16/09/2018 15:54

It's more of a simple question than an 'AIBU' but not sure where to post this.

Would you move to Walthamstow? We're a young couple, no kids si it's just the two of us. Fortunately my partner doesn't have an office as works from home or travels abroad with his work. I'm currently changing careers and by living in London I'd have loads more work opportunities. We found a house in Walthamstow that's more or less what we are looking for. But ... we don't know London well enough and was wondering what others think of it?

The house is about a 15 minute walk away from Walthamstow Central station. We have been living in a small town, not much to do here... it's been definitely very boring here and I thought Walthamstow have good transport links, easy to get anywhere. Any pros or cons? The house is near Waltham Forest.

OP posts:
serbska · 17/09/2018 16:56

But I really don’t think Walthamstow is as bad as lots of PP are making out. It’s an affordable zone 3 burb with good transport links.

It’s no Dulwich, but that is reflected in the price.

OliviaStabler · 17/09/2018 17:10

I've lived in Walthamstow for 16 years and still live there. I do live near the village but it has improved extraordinarily over my time here. The improvements to the shopping centre currently going on means lots more shops and green areas. You are at the end of the Victoria line so always get a seat and as it is totally underground it works when it is snowing too. If the Tube is out the overground goes from Walthamstow Central to Liverpool Street. There is also a busy bus station and you are right by the north circular and the M11 for access to the M25.

Yes there are rough parts but that is the same for lots of places. Steer clear from the rough areas and you'll be fine.

The chasing of huge groups of teenagers mentioned happened once years ago and they were mainly from Tottenham.

foggetyfog · 17/09/2018 19:21

I used to live there. The village bit is very expensive and the whole area is quite dodgy late at night but so are lots of areas of London. Stabbings etc are quite common. Transport is very good though and I loved the Market and all the Asian shops.

Womaningreen · 17/09/2018 19:26

sorry I don't know a street name for the village bit but it is tiny anyway, that particular bit.

you saw the house, so presumably you got a vibe going there?

I grew up nearby and still have to go through there a lot to see my mum. I don't like it and I don't feel as if it has changed much, but so many areas of London are really rough in that budget, I don't know how much difference it makes. If you need Zone 3 for the convenience, then that's what you need.

Tatara1982 · 17/09/2018 19:35

I recently moved there (early 30s couple, no kids) and I love it. I live near Lloyd Park rather than by the village but I like the residential vibe in that area. The transport links are excellent ( I work in the city) and there are lots of shops/pubs etc as well as two breweries and a gin distillery...

There are dodgy bits but, as PPs have said, there are dodgy bits pretty much anywhere you live in London. I previously lived in SW1 and there were bits I didn't particularly like around there so I wouldn't let that put you off!

raisinwheaties · 17/09/2018 21:53

Thing is, you're very unlikely to get caught up in stabbings at random - it’s mostly gang related crime, and there is not a disproportionate amount in e17 - lots of London has issues with this and if anything I think we see a little less of it here than other parts. Just use common sense and you’ll be very unlucky to get caught up in anything

sahknowme · 17/09/2018 22:22

Grew up in Tottenham, lived in crouch end for a few years, then moved to highams Park (between Walthamstow and Chingford) . It's lovely round where we are. Lots of families, great transport links (bus/train to walthamstow Central and train to Liverpool St). A few good schools, and nearby private schools if that's your thing. Nowhere in London is perfect unless you have serious £, but I like it here.

raisinwheaties · 17/09/2018 22:35

Thing is, you're very unlikely to get caught up in stabbings at random - it’s mostly gang related crime, and there is not a disproportionate amount in e17 - lots of London has issues with this and if anything I think we see a little less of it here than other parts. Just use common sense and you’ll be very unlucky to get caught up in anything

bridgetoc · 17/09/2018 22:41

It is truly awful.........

curlykaren · 17/09/2018 22:43

Forget east, go south. East Dulwich/Peckham Rye/nunhead/parts of new cross. The link I left above looks nice, about the right price. You won't get a house for your budget anywhere decent.

BillyAndTheSillies · 17/09/2018 22:50

Moved from Walthamstow (Lloyd Park area) to Leytonstone four years ago.
Prefer Leytonstone for green space, our house backs on to Epping forest so lots of space to roam but prefer Walthamstow for transport, mainly because I despise the central line.
Miss all the food options in Walthamstow though, Leytonstone is lacking!
Never had a problem walking back from Walthamstow Central late at night.

Poshjock · 17/09/2018 23:09

I’m another that doesn’t get all the negativity here. DB and fam lives off Hoe St on the village side and has down for 10 yr, spent another 3 just off the market. It was never that bad even 13 yrs ago and has improved so much over the years. Transport links are excellent. Underground, overground, bus station and easy connect to the Standstead express. I travel myself to visit and walk to their house (10 mins from W/stow central) up until late in evening and never felt unsafe or saw anything which makes me feel wary. Usually pop out to a pub in evening and walk home with no issues. Attended W/stow festival recently and it was amazing. DB and SIL work from home and rarely leave the area as everything they need is around them. They have loads of friends nearby and school social calendar is vibrant and welcoming. Schools are good DN is about to move out of Primary and has a couple of good options to choose. I too echo the community feel in the area and I’m always made to feel very welcome when I’m out and about with DN. definitely NOT a shithole. And I’m pretty well travelled and been to plenty shitholes in my time and career.

Darkestnight · 17/09/2018 23:20

I use to live near there a few years ago and cannot stand the place. There are better options to live rather than E17

derrydarling · 18/09/2018 00:04

I've been here for 20yrs, and I love it. It has changed massively in that time. All London has crime, so go elsewhere if you can't accept that.
There is loads going on here, and it gets better all the time. There is a really great community feel, and people that live here really care about their area.
£450,000 wouldn't get you a house, though, though it should get you a nice 2 bed flat.

RubyBee · 18/09/2018 07:22

Am another one who doesn’t get the Walthamstow negativity! I moved to here six years and really like it (currently live near Lloyd Park). There’s no more crime and grime than in other similar London boroughs like Hackney, Harringey etc. I know lots of my neighbours, and my son has made friends with other kids on the road. There is such a community feel, and there are loads of community events which happen in Walthamstow like festivals, local dog shows, free music and films in the parks.

RhiWrites · 18/09/2018 07:33

@PeachFamily my friend lives in Walthamstow and loves it. I’ve busted a few times and it seems like a cool vibrant area, lots of interesting shops and a market. Never seen any violence.

My sister lives in Harringey. That’s also nice, shops a bit more boring, houses a bit posher. I’d say there isn’t a lot in it.

RhiWrites · 18/09/2018 07:33

Visited, not busted.

Ethylred · 18/09/2018 07:45

Never mind Walthamstow, hold on to your money and rent.
London prices are falling off a cliff thanks to Brexit. You'll get it for 10% less in a year.

wombatron · 18/09/2018 16:10

Forest Gate and Wanstead Park area here! If you're up towards the actual Wanstead Flats it's reasonably nice. It's east London and grimey but I luffs it. That being said, I don't plan to be here when we eventually have DC and they will be teenagers - at the moment East is living up to its reputation, though I think it's everywhere tbh

Tink2007 · 18/09/2018 16:23

Muswell Hill is lovely - right near Alexandra Palace.

Walthamstow is hell on Earth. I wouldn’t buy a property there with someone else’s cash let alone my own.

IsadoraQuagmire · 18/09/2018 16:28

Raisinwheaties No, I've been there several times and noticed it. I do have a very acute sense of smell though, NOT an advantage when you're born and bred in London as an awful lot of it smells polluted and stinky...

OliviaStabler · 18/09/2018 18:12

Walthamstow is hell on Earth.

I guarantee you OP, Walthamstow is not hell Grin

raisinwheaties · 18/09/2018 18:27

Anyone who proclaims that Walthamstow is “hell on Earth” is either an outrageous snob or perhaps has not ever bothered to visit. Clear hyperbole - nowhere in London is “hell”. Also you have to be pragmatic and realistic as to what £450k will buy you anywhere in London. Sounds like the OP wants a bit more of a buzz (hence moving into town from a quiet place). Insofar as London goes, for that price, I would have thought Walthamstow would tick a lot of boxes

Goingonandonandon · 19/09/2018 15:20

Agree with Raisin. I lived in Forest Gate 20 years ago and that was a proper shit hole, Walthamstow nowadays looks like St Tropez compared to what Forest Gate was back then.

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